Brockton's Akeem Williams takes part in Celtics' predraft workout

The Avon High graduate and the all-time third-leading scorer at UMass-Lowell was part of a six-player contingent to audition in front of coach Brad Stevens and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge on Wednesday in Waltham.

He has worn a basketball uniform for Avon High School, the Winchendon School and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Brockton resident Akeem Williams got to suit up in another uniform on Wednesday during a workout he will never forget.

Williams was invited to take part in one of the Celtics’ predraft sessions, joining five other players who were auditioning for the June 26 NBA Draft at the team’s training facility in Waltham.

“It was big,’’ said Williams, who finished third at UMass-Lowell with 2,057 points. “I’m a hometown kid. I grew up in Brockton. Everyone here roots for the Celtics, they bleed green.

“So to have an opportunity to go and see (coach) Brad Stevens and (president of basketball operations) Danny Ainge and put that green uniform on one time was big.’’

Williams, who is hoping to land with a professional team overseas, went through a grueling workout that lasted 21/2 hours. He joined Adreian Payne of Michigan State, Michael Dixon of Memphis, Eric Moreland of Oregon State, Victor Rudd of South Florida and Clint Capela of Switzerland.

Stevens guided the players through drills, testing their skills, and there were 3-on-3 games and sprints to end the session.

“It was honestly amazing to have the opportunity to be coached by Brad Stevens,’’ said Williams, who saw current players including Rajon Rondo at the facility. “You see him on TV every day.

“You go in the locker room and see everyone’s nameplate. It was a little bit surreal when I stepped in the locker room. But after a few minutes, it felt like old times, playing basketball again.’’

Williams has been waiting for news about his basketball future from Jim Buckley of Pro Sports Management, but he wasn’t expecting the call that came on Monday. In fact, Williams initially thought the invitation to work out with the Celtics was a joke.

“Hopefully, I did well enough today where I can get a call from another team and continue to work out,’’ said Williams, who was the leading scorer in the Division 1 America East Conference as a senior. “But if that doesn’t work out and I have any options overseas, I’ll definitely take that.

“I knocked down some shots, played good defense, made a couple of good passes today. Playing with players of that caliber makes my job a lot easier. It was a cool experience.

“I went in today with an open mind. I didn’t have much to lose. I didn’t expect the team to sign me. I was just trying to turn some heads with the way I played and draw some attention from another team and further this little wave I’m riding.’’

Page 2 of 2 - Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.